Why is my 7 segment display not working in Multisim?

  • Thread starter Thread starter lissette
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting a 7 segment display circuit in Multisim, specifically focusing on issues related to a common anode configuration. Participants are exploring potential reasons for the display not functioning as expected, including wiring and component connections.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their setup with a common anode display connected to +5V through a resistor but encounters an error when connecting outputs from their circuit.
  • Another participant questions the nature of the error being experienced.
  • Some participants suggest the possibility of using a common cathode display instead.
  • A participant mentions the function of the 7447 decoder and its lamp test feature, indicating that if outputs are high, the display segments will not light up.
  • Another participant confirms they grounded the LT pin but still observed high outputs.
  • Concerns are raised about whether power and ground connections are properly established for the 7447 IC.
  • A participant notes that in Multisim, certain pins are connected by default, which may lead to confusion regarding necessary connections.
  • One participant references an external website for additional troubleshooting suggestions, including a controversial recommendation to use 12 volts on TTL devices.
  • A participant shares their experience with a working circuit for educational purposes, indicating they are helping their child learn about electronics.
  • One post is identified as being off-topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the cause of the display issue, with some suggesting wiring problems and others questioning the type of display used. There is no consensus on the exact solution or cause of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention assumptions about default connections in Multisim, and there is uncertainty regarding the necessity of certain power connections for the 7447 IC. The discussion includes references to specific features of the 7447 decoder that may not be universally understood.

lissette
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I was wiring my circuit in Multisim which has a 7 segment display (common anode). I connected common anode to +5 through a 330 resistor. Then I was connecting pins for a-g to the circuit I constructed. I know the circuit is correct because I simply put probes to see if the outputs were correct and they were, although when I connected the outputs of my circuit to the 7 segment display I keep getting an error. Does anybody have an idea why or what I should try?
 
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lissette said:
...I keep getting an error. Does anybody have an idea why or what I should try?
What error are you referring to?
 
May be it is a common cathode one.
 
I'm having the same problem here, can anybody help? It is an common anode. I tried putting probe at the outputs of they decade counter and they light up all right. But the seven segment desplay just wouldn't light up!
 

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The 7447 is a decoder which turns Binary Coded Decimal to 7 segment output.

If an output is low, it will sink current from a LED of the display. So, if you are seeing all high outputs, then the LEDs will be turned off.

The 7447 has a lamp test feature. You connect the "LT" pin (pin 3) to ground and all outputs (QA to QG) should go low and turn on all segments of the display.
 
Last edited:
vk6kro said:
The 7447 is a decoder which turns Binary Coded Decimal to 7 segment output.

If an output is low, it will sink current from a LED of the display. So, if you are seeing all high outputs, then the LEDs will be turned off.

Th 7447 has a lamp test feature. You connect the "LT" pin (pin 3) to ground and all outputs (QA to QG) should go low and turn on all segments of the display.

Thanks for the tip...I grounded the LT pin but the outputs were still HIGH.
 
The diagram doesn't show power (5 volts) on pin 16 or ground on pin 8. Are these really connected?
 
vk6kro said:
The diagram doesn't show power (5 volts) on pin 16 or ground on pin 8. Are these really connected?

yeah...here in multisim the pins are not shown and there is no need to connect them since they are already connected by default, I think. I've experimented with other IC and there is no problem.
 
I found a website that seems to deal with this.

http://forums.ni.com/ni/board/message?board.id=370&thread.id=2287

However, it does suggest putting 12 volts on TTL devices, which is crazy.
The other suggestions may be useful, though and even the 12 V one won't really blow anything up in a simulator.

I have an old EWB but not Multisim, so I can't try them.
 
  • #10
I home school my 12 year old son. We do an electronic lab every week.

This is a working Binary into a 7-segment display EWB circuit.

I build this circuit for my son to simulate and to create a truth table.



Let me know how it works out for you:

Jack
 

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  • #11
wrong thread, sorry
 

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